Mom in Mumbai #TBT

During our family vacation last summer we traveled many miles through India eating everywhere we stopped. Indian food is by far my favorite food, I can eat it pretty much every day and when my mother-in-law visits us from Napa it is all I eat.

Our final two weeks were spent in Mumbai, home to my husband's family and 

home to the most amazing food and vegetable stands I had seen. 

I kept asking errr begging my mother-in-law to take me to the market so we could capture some shots for her new cookbook she had been working on. It is complete and expected to be out in early Fall, I'll keep everyone posted. She is also a Chopped winner, just in case you wanted to know that.

On our final day in Mumbai, and I mean final day, we lugged ourselves over to the Pali Hill Market. It was 9000 degrees at 10am and so muggy my camera and lenses kept fogging up but we with stood the uncomfortable climate and shot some cute images of her grabbing what was to be our lunch for the day.

In India the head of the house or their servants go marketing every morning. They don't freeze chickens and refrigerate produce like we do, they buy only what is needed and use it that very day. My kids, hubby and I all lost a total of 30 lbs. while we traveled through this majestic country and I give all the credit to the fresh food we ate daily. And we ate a LOT of food daily. I'd say I miss it but I've become quite a good Indian Chef over the years. Maybe that's what I'll be when I grow up, a gourmet Indian Chef…..until then you get to enjoy my photography:)

The ever fabulous and always beautiful Neela Paniz

There is no Monsanto in India and there really isn't an "Organic" movement as everything is grown locally.

Doesn't it all look soooo yummy.

She's thinking "Hmmm Okra, Ghia, or Toori for lunch? I always vote for Ghia, it's my absolute favorite, she'll vouch for that.

 I love Indian Boys, haha I married one but they always seem to find me. I think they are absolutely adorable. This kid stopped in front of my lens and did a few poses, then they all giggled away.

They truly are a happy people full of family, love, food and laughter.

For those of you interested in learning how to cook Indian Food check out my Mom's old cookbook The Bombay Cafe Cookbook.

You can purchase it here  and here

and if you are looking for an Indian grocery in LA this is where we shop. India Spices and Groceries

The new cookbook will be released in late 2014. Stay Tuned!!!!!

Happy Eating:)

Young Love….Happy Valentine's Day

Looking back on my last year I get to relive some amazing and fun shoots I've had with some pretty special clients. Cory and Annaleis were one of those special couples so deep in love they couldn't keep it hidden.

Their love showed in each stolen glance, each touch and every breathe. I am sure they are so

happily devoted to one another and continue to be happy in love.

Happy 2nd Birthday Eden

"Turning two must be easy to do,

I just blinked my eyes, and it happened to you.

Seems like the days just go speeding right by,

Why you'll probably turn three in the wink of an eye.

So let's take time to celebrate your birthday today,

And cherish this moment before it slips fast away."

Happy Birthday Eden and you too Amber!!!!!

Paniz Family Foster Care Take 3...

 I walked into the Community Care Children's Residential Program offices yesterday and handed in our second Foster Family Care application. The first one was misplaced and never entered into the system so I felt the need to personally hand it in this time. I received a call this morning at 9am that the application was received and we had our facility #. This number is our "Home Care Facility Number" it will follow us throughout our Foster Family life. Whew, one thing down and complete, I can check that off our never-ending list. It only took an extra 2 months of waiting…...

As we inch ever so slowly closer to our final goal I can't help but feel a twinge on my nerves and a banging in my head asking me if this is the right time to do this. Is this the right time for my family to give up the comfortable lives we have built around ourselves to bring an unknown into our home, after all I have two kids at home that need me, they still need me, it isn't like I am completely available to drop everything to take care of somebody else's child. I want to do this, I have always wanted to, it is a drive inside me that I cannot truly explain but can I do this comes with a very different answer. I don't know. How can anyone know if adopting or fostering is going to be the right thing for you and your family AND how do you know when the right time is?

Many people that we discuss our decision with say to us, "I couldn't do that" " That is so amazing of you to do this for another child" Is it? Are we really that amazing? Or are we just completely delusional in thinking we can do this. My head understands that it will not be easy, a child torn from their mother and placed in a strangers home, a home that may be bigger or fancier but definitely different from the home they grew up in , a home with a mom and a dad and two big brothers. Imagine….

My husband works very long hours, I am the sole caretaker for my boys during the week as he pulls 12-13 hour days. Do I have what it will take to add another to the mix? Can I dig deep into myself and find more patience? Can I be understanding and gentle to every circumstance that walks or is carried through our door? Can I give this unknown child what he/she needs without trying to fill the desire inside of me to fix them? What about lice, ear infections, bronchitis,  crabs, other skin rashes, vaccinations (a lot of children come into the system having never seen a doctor) dirty diapers, diaper rash, uncontrollable crying, fear of water, ect. Can I do that? Do I want to do that? No, I don't, life is pretty awesome just the 4 of us now that I look at it. My boys are well mannered, a  bit nuts at times but all in all great children do I want another? Do I want to start all over again and again and again? There is no answer I can come up with but I do know that if I never followed through with this calling than I will never truly know the answers to all of my questions.

Next up is to schedule to State Home Inspection. Yay!!! I am so excited for the State of California to come into my home and tell me if we live up to their expectations. Is our home clean, well cared for, no chipped paint (ha, we live in So Cal in an 80 yr old home, it chips paint every time the earth sneezes) no torn screens (hello I have boys) locked up guns, locked up medicines, proper pet documents, insurance, blah blah blah those sorts of things.  If we don't pass the inspection than we won't get approved.
I'll keep you all posted.

Thank you for all of your support and endless love.
M

BTW For all of you people out there with baby stuff in your garage, I will need it. I need a crib, stroller, car seats, clothing, diapers, high chair, all the necessities to welcoming a child between the ages of brand new and 4 years old. Thank you in advance:)